The late Michael Wilson first entered the political hemisphere in 1983, running as a candidate in the Progressive Conservative leadership convention. After losing the first ballot, he withdrew his candidacy and worked in both Mulroney and Clark’s governments until he bowed out in 1993 to return to the private sector. He came back to politics in 2008 after Harper appointed him as Canadian ambassador to the United States. While he isbest known for his political accomplishments, he did more than add his name to the Canadian public service’s history. He held a number of public and private portfolios, advocated for public-private partnerships and was an outspoken mental health advocate, having lost his son to depression and suicide. Here is a look at a a timeline of his professional highlights throughout the years —

1984 — Conservative finance critic Michael Wilson is shown in front of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 15, 1984. Wilson first entered political life as a candidate at the 1993 Progressive Conservatives leadership convention. He dropped out after the first ballot and became Mulroney’s finance minister in 1984.Canadian Press

1985 — Former finance minister Michael Wilson leans against a mantelpiece. Wilson served as finance minister for seven years until 1991National Archives of Canada

1987 — Then-finance Minister Michael Wilson points out that his new budget shoes are Canadian made, as per tradition, before delivering his budget report in Ottawa on February 17, 1987. Wilson used his role to reform the tax system and lower tax rates.The Canadian Press

1992 — Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, in 1992, signs the North American Free Trade Agreement, witnessed by Michael Wilson, then-trade minister left, and negotiator John Weekes. Wilson became the minister of trade in 1991.Canadian Press

Rather than running for re-election in 1993, Wilson chose to step back from politics and return to the private sector where he worked as chairman of UBS from 2001 to 2006. Pictured with Victor Dodig.Postmedia Network

2004 — Clark also worked under multiple cabinet positions in Joe Clark’s government, including Minister of Industry, Science and Technology. In 2004, he was no longer in politics and held the role of Chairman of UBS Canada until 2006.Postmedia Archives

2008 — Wilson was named Canadian ambassador to the United States in 2006 by Stephen Harper, then-prime minister. Pictured with then-U.S. ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins.National Post

2009 — Now former U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hand with then Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America Michael Wilson before boarding Air Force One and leaving Ottawa. In 2008, it was alleged that Wilson remarked that Obama was not serious about his promise to opt out of NAFTA.Associated Press

2010 — Governor General David Johnston stands with Michael Wilson after investing him as a Companion of the Order of Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on November 17, 2010.Adrian Wyld /
The Canadian Press

2015 — A longtime advocate of mental health, Wilson was also appointed as new board chair on the Mental Health Commission of Canada.Sen. Denise Batters/Twitter